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Car Care Encyclopedia Fuel Systems, Page 6 of 6

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Emission system maintenance

Air filter replacement
See Figures 47, 48, 49 and 50

The air filter is never very difficult to find. It is always inside a rather large housing either on top of the carburetor/throttle body or off to the side of the engine.

  1. Remove any components necessary to access the air cleaner.
  2. Unfasten the retainers securing the air cleaner housing lid. These can be wing nuts, screws, clamps or any combination of these. If necessary, label and disconnect any vacuum hoses or wiring from the lid.
  3. Remove the lid from the housing and remove the air filter.
  4. Clean the inside of the housing of any dirt or debris.
  5. Inspect the filter. Check the pleats and gasket surfaces for any tears. Hold the filter up to a light; if you can see a glow through it, it is probably OK to be reused. If the filter is too dirty of damaged, replace it.
  6. Reinstall the filter in the housing. Be sure it is positioned properly so the gasket seals. Reinstall the lid on the air cleaner housing.

Figure 47 Remove the retainers securing the air filter cover. Sometimes there are additional hoses that have to be disconnected before the air cleaner cover can be removed.
Remove the retainers securing the air filter cover. Sometimes there are additional hoses that have to be disconnected before the air cleaner cover can be removed.

Figure 48 Remove the old air filter and inspect it.
Remove the old air filter and inspect it.

Figure 49 Wipe the inside of the air filter housing clean before installing the filter.
Wipe the inside of the air filter housing clean before installing the filter.

Figure 50 Be sure that the filter is positioned properly so the gasket seals.
Be sure that the filter is positioned properly so the gasket seals.

Crankcase ventilation system
See Figures 51 and 52

The crankcase ventilation system should be inspected for clogged, broken or missing hoses. In addition the PCV valve can be tested. A general test is to remove the PCV valve and shake it. If a rattle is heard, the valve is usually OK.

Figure 51 The PCV valve is easily replaced.
The PCV valve is easily replaced.

Figure 52 If equipped, check the ventilation filter.
If equipped, check the ventilation filter.

The PCV valve itself is fairly easy to replace. It can usually be pulled from the ventilation hose or a grommet in the valve cover. Some are threaded into the valve cover. Simply unplug the hose and unthread it from the valve cover with a wrench.

If equipped, check the crankcase ventilation system filter. This is usually located in the air cleaner. Replace if clogged with oil residue.

Evaporative emission system
See Figure 53

The evaporative emission system is relatively maintenance free, but should still be inspected periodically. Inspect all the hoses, fittings and canister for damage. If the canister is cracked or leaking fuel, it must be replaced. Some canisters have a replaceable air filter. They are usually located on the bottom of the canister. Remove the canister from its mount and turn it over. If it appears black and clogged, simply pull it out and replace it.

Figure 53 Inspect the evaporative system for damage and leaks.
Inspect the evaporative system for damage and leaks.

Exhaust gas recirculation (ERG) system

The EGR system is maintenance free. However, it is a good idea to periodically check that none of the components are damaged (damaged vacuum hoses or wiring, leaking exhaust crossover pipes).

Air injection system
See Figure 54

The air injection system should be inspected periodically. Check for damaged hoses, defective check valves and proper belt tension (refer to the cooling system section for belt tension information). Defective check valves are usually indicated by excessive heat bluing (metal is a dark blue color) or rust, causing them to leak.

Figure 54 Inspect the check valves for bluing and rust.
Inspect the check valves for bluing and rust.

Catalytic converter

Other than checking for exhaust leaks or damaged heat shielding, the catalytic converter is maintenance free.

Troubleshooting engine performance: Part 1
Troubleshooting engine performance: Part 2
Troubleshooting engine performance: Part 3

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©1998 W. G. Nichols - Chilton's Easy Car Care